World Ballet Festival is Coming to the Pantages Theatre in June

Aviva Gefler-Mundl

A first-of-its-kind celebration of ballet

The World Ballet Company recently announced their World Ballet Festival, a first-of-its-kind touring festival celebrating all that ballet has to offer. The Festival will showcase an array of ballet programming from beloved classics to today's most exciting new works. In its debut year, World Ballet Festival will present a performance at the Pantages Theatre, June 7 – 9. Tickets

The Festival program will feature ballet blockbusters and encompass a range of ballets from romantic to comic. Among the performers scheduled to appear are Tiler Peck and Roman Meija of New York City Ballet; Aviva Gefler-Mundl, Marcos Hernandez, and Kate Inoue of Los Angeles Ballet; Rasmus Ahlgren of Boston Ballet; and Ekaterina Malkovich, Constantine Geronik, and Andrea Lassakova of World Ballet Company. Additionally, a local ballet company will be featured in each city giving local dancers the opportunity to share the stage with seasoned professionals. Full programming details will be announced in the coming months.  

World Ballet Festival is produced by Sasha Gorskaya and Gulya Hartwick, with programming director Adrian Blake Mitchell, a graduate of the Vaganova Academy and former member of the Mikhailovsky Ballet Company. World Ballet Festival will be presented in new cities each year with a goal to bring ballet to every corner of the country. 

The company’s signature program, World Ballet Series presents the most beloved and iconic ballets of our time in cities across the country. The company attracts many international artists and is composed of renowned professional dancers representing over ten countries. The family-friendly productions feature timeless scores, rich storytelling, vivid hand-painted sets, and stunning hand-crafted costumes. To date, World Ballet Series has travelled to more than 280 cities reaching an audience of more than 250,000, many of whom are first time attendees to a ballet.

Theatre in the Round Celebrates Women in STEM with Silent Sky and Art Gallery

Eva Gemlo as Henrietta Leavitt, Photo by Aaron Thuen

Silent Sky runs February 23 thru March 10, Fridays and Saturdays 7:30pm, Sundays 2pm

Theatre in the Round Players (TRP) is observing the start of Women’s History Month by celebrating unsung women in STEM fields, the highlight of which is a production of the historical drama Silent Sky by Lauren Gunderson, running weekends February 23 through March 10. 

Silent Sky tells the true story of astronomer Henrietta Leavitt who began work at the Harvard College Observatory in the early 1900s as a part of a group of women “computers,” charting the stars using glass plates. Although not allowed to use a telescope, these women made discoveries foundational to modern astronomy.  An inspirational, uplifting story, Silent Sky is appropriate for ages 10+. Gretchen Weinrich directs the five-member cast with sets designed by Sadie Ward, costumes by Colleen O’Dell, lighting by Peter Mitchell, props by Mark Steffer, and sound design by Warren Sampson.

Additional programming includes:

Women in Astronomy Panel, Saturday, February 24. This event, immediately following the performance if Silent Sky, will feature a panel of women in various career stages from the University of Minnesota School of Physics and Astronomy: Catherine Slaughter (Graduate Student, Astrophysics), Alexandra La Reste (Post-doctoral Researcher, Physics), and Claudia Scarlata (Professor, Director of the Minnesota Institute for Astrophysicists), moderated by Prisca Cushman (Professor, Physics).

Audience Discussion with the Cast & Dr. Roberta Humphreys, Sunday, March 10. Audience members will be able to participate in a question-and-answer time with the cast and director of Silent Sky as well as stellar astrophysicist, Dr. Roberta Humphreys. Dr. Humphreys is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. She led the Minnesota Automated Plate Scanner research group for over twenty years, creating a digitized, searchable catalog of the Palomar Observatory Sky Survey.

Trailblazing Women Art Gallery Showing, February 23-March 10. Throughout the run of this production, Theatre in the Round will be showcasing portraits of women who have made significant contributions to STEM fields. These portraits, created by artist Sadie Ward, have been created from upcycled bras, which Ward calls Brart. “One of the ways to remove patriarchy in our society is to recreate faces that were actively erased by that patriarchal society,” says Ward,” Brart is a socially derived artform that requires the participation of community to fuel conversation, while actively repurposing textiles.”

Tickets are $25. For information, call the theatre’s box office at 612-333-3010 or visit its website at www.TheatreintheRound.org.

Small Business Spotlight: Arturo’s Pizza - A Discussion with Co-owner, Jill Murray

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

Arturo's Pickle Pastrami Pizza

Craving delicious pizza, with not only tried and true standards but also innovative pie choices? We talked to Jill Murray, co-owner of Arturo’s Pizza in Old Town Minneapolis about the history of their restaurant, family dining legacies and some not-to-miss choices. Come by their shop at 18 University Avenue NE for a slice or a whole pie!

Q:  Facebook tells us that Arturo’s Pizza was founded in 2021. How did you decide to open a pizza restaurant? Who is the restaurant named for?

A:  Our family has looked for opportunities to diversify throughout our years in the restaurant industry. We chose pizza because of its mass appeal - everyone loves pizza! We like to work with approachable and familiar food items and high-quality ingredients. It has been a great experience creating with new flavors and products. Arturo’s is named in homage to our grandfather, one of the founders of Murray’s.

From the left, James, Jill and Tim Murray

Q:  I did hear that you’re a member of a Minneapolis dining dynasty. Please tell us more.

A:  We (James, Tim and Jill Murray) are part of the Murray family. Our grandparents were the founders of Murray’s Steakhouse in downtown Minneapolis, now in its 78th year of operation. Our late father, Patrick, was their only child and carried the restaurant through the second generation. He was at Murray’s over 50 years working and teaching his children the business. The three of us manage Murray’s, and along with our sisters, are the current owners. 

Q:  What are the most popular items on the menu? What should we try if we're first timers at Arturo's Pizza?

A:  The most popular items on the menu are our specialty pizzas - you really can’t go wrong with choosing any of them. The Arturo’s Special highlights our house-made sausage, pepperoni, olives, onion, red pepper and fresh herbs. On the simpler side our Original is a lovely blend of mozzarella, Fontina, Parmesan and Pecorino cheeses, topped with freshly chopped herbs. Our cheese bread and spinach & artichoke dip with grilled bread appetizers are also guest favorites.

Mushroom Goat Cheese Pizza

If you are coming for the first time, I would recommend one of the previously mentioned pizzas, or something on the specialty pizza menu with flavors you like. One of my favorites is the Mushroom Goat Cheese pizza that has an Alfredo base, roasted garlic and an Italian burnt honey drizzle.

Arturo's Original PizzaQ:  Ok, those pizzas sound amazing! I noticed another pizza on the menu - please tell us more about the Pickle Pastrami pizza.

A:  Our Pickle Pastrami pizza is a must try that celebrates the winning flavor combination of pickles, cream cheese, and pastrami. We do it on an Alfredo base with mozzarella cheese in addition to the cream cheese, pickles and pastrami. I think many people our age grew up enjoying this in appetizer form where the pickle was slathered in cream cheese, wrapped in ham and sliced. Pickles on pizza are very hot right now, and for good reason, they fit right in.

Q:  Do you serve pizza slices?

A:  We serve plain cheese, sausage and pepperoni slices Tuesday-Sunday. We have a great 2 slices for $10 special that includes a soda.

Q:  How may we stay up to date with your news?

A:  You can stay up to date with our news by joining our mailing list. Sign up is at the bottom of our website.

Francois Paradeise, a Fixture in the Twin Cities Restaurant Scene for Decades, Retires with a 2-Day Send Off Party at Chloe by Vincent, February 28-29

Francois Paradeise (right, pictured with Chef Vincent Francoual), completed his restaurant career as General Manager of Chloe by Vincent.

After five decades working with some of the most inventive restaurants companies in the Twin Cities, Francois Paradeise, 77, is retiring. Stop by to say good-bye and wish Francois well on his last two days of work, February 28-29, with a free glass of bubbles.

Known for his big personality, story-telling skills and irresistible French accent, Paradeise was a well-known force in the local hospitality industry.

He began his career as the front office shift manager at a five-star hotel and resort in Scottsdale, Arizona, after moving to the U.S. from Paris and culminates it as the opening GM for the new iteration of a Vincent Francoual restaurant, Chloe by Vincent.

“We were fortunate to be able to work with Francois before we opened to help us set up systems and hire good people and to share his showmanship style of making guests feel welcome and special,” said Matthew Monroe, CEO of Restore Restaurant Holdings, which owns the restaurant along with Erik Forsberg’s French Toast.

Paradeise and his wife of 44 years, Nancy, are moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to be closer to grandchildren.

Over the years, Paradeise has worked with Parasole Restaurants, where he was the GM of a number of their iconic restaurants, including Manny’s, Figlio and Good Earth. He was hired as the director of operations for the first Buca di Beppo restaurant and opened seven additional stores, including in Milwaukee; Palo Alto, California; Seattle; and Chicago.

He also worked with Wayne Kostroski at Cuisine Concepts, at Tejas, Bar Abeline and Franklin Street Bakery.

“I am grateful for all my coworkers as well as the company officers and owners,” Paradeise said. “I cherish all the memories with my teams as we dealt with both challenges and successes.”

Minnesota will always have a place in his heart, but “now is as good a time as ever to spice up our lives.” And what better place to find that spice than in the southwest, where he started his culinary journey. 

The River Runs Red by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Ric Rosow

The River Runs Red

I was photographing the city sky-scape of downtown Minneapolis two Friday nights ago from the Stone Arch Bridge with four other photographers as part of a night sky workshop. Shortly before we were scheduled to leave I turned around, looked east and down at the river. The river was glowing red, a reflection from the 35W Bridge. Even though we were leaving for another location I knew I had to take the time to photograph this scene.

You can see more of my work at ricrosowphotography.com and Price Krishnan Gallery.

Graco Park Construction Update

Graco Park from above in January 2024

Construction progressed throughout winter on new Northeast Minneapolis riverfront park - on track to open in fall 2024

Lots of progress has been made over the winter on Graco Park, a new riverfront park just north of the Plymouth Avenue Bridge in Northeast Minneapolis.

Construction has been focused on the new park building, which is expected to be complete in 2024. The building's exterior shell and roof framing are complete, its concrete floor has been poured, and work on mechanical and electrical systems is underway. Windows are scheduled to be installed in March, then work on finishing the building exterior will resume.

Later this spring, work on the building will shift to its interior, and construction of the outdoor park elements, like landscaping and pathways, will pick up. The park is on track to open in fall 2024.

More details

New Mia Exhibit: American Gothic, Gordon Parks and Ella Watson

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

A discussion with Casey Riley, PhD, Chair of Global Contemporary Art and Curator of Photography and New Media, Mia

Don’t miss this exhibit of Gordon Parks’ photographs of Ella Watson, taken in the early 1940s, at Mia until June 23, 2024. We talked to Casey Riley, who curated the show - she gave us historical background on Parks, his unique partnership with Ella Watson, and the enduring relevance of this series.

Q:  For people unfamiliar with Gordon Parks and his work, can you provide a brief background on him and his significance in the world of photography?

Dr. Casey RileyA:  The Gordon Parks Foundation has a wealth of information on the artist, so please allow me to quote directly from their excellent biography on Parks, who as they note was not only one of the greatest photographers of the twentieth century, but also a humanitarian with a deep commitment to social justice. Parks’ photographic legacy is plainly evident in the exceptional body of work he created from the early 1940s into the 2000s, the contents of which document American life and culture by centering matters of race, poverty, civil rights, and urban life. Per the Foundation’s website, “Parks was also a distinguished composer, author, and filmmaker [he directed Shaft!] who interacted with many of the leading people of his era—from politicians and artists to athletes and celebrities.

Born into poverty and segregation in Fort Scott, Kansas, in 1912, Parks was drawn to photography as a young man when he saw images of migrant workers taken by Farm Security Administration (FSA) photographers in a magazine. After buying a camera at a pawnshop, he taught himself how to use it. Despite his lack of professional training, he won the Julius Rosenwald Fellowship in 1942; this led to a position with the photography section of the FSA in Washington, D.C., and, later, the Office of War Information (OWI). Working for these agencies, which were then chronicling the nation’s social conditions, Parks quickly developed a personal style that would make him among the most celebrated photographers of his era. His extraordinary pictures allowed him to break the color line in professional photography while he created remarkably expressive images that consistently explored the social and economic impact of poverty, racism, and other forms of discrimination.”

Q:  Please tell us about the unique collaboration between Gordon Parks and Ella Watson.

A:  When Parks arrived in Washington, D.C. to work with Roy Stryker in the Historical Section of the Farm Security Administration, he was eager to document the community as he had done in Chicago. What he did not anticipate were the challenges he would face as a Black man in the nation’s capital, where racial segregation and discrimination were commonplace. Knowing the situation all too well, Stryker suggested that Parks begin by exploring Washington without his camera. Unfortunately, Parks found bigotry everywhere. He was turned away by restaurants, kicked out of theaters, and denied service at a respected department store where he attempted to buy a winter coat. Parks was crushed–and filled with righteous anger. “In this radiant, historic place,” he lamented, “racism was rampant” (Half Past Autumn, 1997).

Gordon Parks, Self-Portrait (detail), 1941, gelatin silver print. Courtesy of The Gordon Parks Foundation. Taken at age 28, when Parks was living in Chicago.

To his credit, Parks channeled his disillusionment into creative potential. He returned to FSA headquarters, where Stryker recommended that he begin his project closer to home. Upon leaving Stryker’s office, Parks approached the Black woman who was cleaning the hallway outside. Her name was Ella Watson, and their conversation about her life story riveted him. Parks eventually asked if he could take Watson’s picture. She agreed, and for several weeks afterward gave him primary access to her everyday life: at home, at church, and in her neighborhood. The resulting photographs–about 90 in all, of which we selected 59 for the exhibition at Mia–reveal the depth and breadth of Watson’s experiences and commitments as the matriarch of a household that included four children, a church deaconess, and a Federal employee. It’s a multifaceted portrait that reveals much more than the difficulties of her life, which were many; she emerges as a central figure in the life of that city, and of the nation.

Q:  Roy Stryker of the Farm Security Administration thought American Gothic was an indictment of America and could lead to the firing of all the photographers on staff. However, he encouraged Parks to continue photographing Watson. When was this body of work published? What was the reaction from the public?

A:  That’s correct. When Parks showed "American Gothic" to Stryker, he was warned that its publication could cost them their jobs. Since the FSA was a government agency, and needed to maintain a certain editorial distance from subjects that could be seen as “political,” Stryker felt that the image was too provocative for the congressmen who funded the agency. Despite being taken in 1942, the photo remained unpublished until 1948, when Parks became the first Black staff photographer at LIFE magazine. The portrait became famous only in the 1960s, when many people were ready to accept its commentary on American racism.

Q:  In what ways do you believe Gordon Parks' work remains relevant in contemporary society?

A:  Gordon Parks' legacy extends across American visual culture - his work has inspired many contemporary artists, including Hank Willis Thomas, who contributed to the publication accompanying the show. As an artist who cared deeply about social justice and devoted his practice to it, his work resonates deeply with contemporary audiences.

Q:  Will Mia provide educational programs or tours for this exhibition?

A:  Absolutely – we are honored to host this work in Minneapolis, and to have partnered with the amazing folks at the Gordon Parks Foundation to realize this project. In terms of programming, and to complement the exhibition, celebrated photographer LaToya Ruby Frazer will share her perspective on Gordon Parks and Ella Watson in conversation with me on Wednesday, March 14, in a program that is co-sponsored by Mia’s Friends of the Institute. Philip Brookman and I co-edited the publication that accompanies the show; you can purchase advance copies from the Store at Mia!

Q:  How may we follow news about Gordon Parks' creative life?

A:  I think the best resource is The Gordon Parks Foundation to stay up to date on his life and legacy.

Mara at Four Seasons Hotel is Hosting Loppet World Cup Watch Party Brunches, Feb 17 & 18

Photo credit: The Loppet Foundation

Loppet World Cup Watch Party Brunch at Mara

Join fellow fans and cheer for all the COOP FIS Cross-Country World Cup skiers at Mara’s watch party brunch! Saturday, February 17 and Sunday, February 18, beginning at 10am.

These special events include complimentary valet parking, live event feed on TVs throughout the restaurant, a glass of sparkling wine and the Mara Brunch - complete with a live-action station with eggs made to order, a luxe buffet spread of breakfast meats, cold appetizers, waffles and pancakes, and an Instagramable dessert display.

Reservations and tickets are available on Tock. $89 per person plus tax and gratuities, $45 for children 12 and under. A portion of the proceeds benefit The Loppet Foundation.

Loppet Cup Room Package with Shuttle Service to and from VIP Area

Cocoon inside Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis between Loppet Cup action. Your stay includes deluxe accommodations and VIP shuttle service to and from the Loppet World Cup VIP area.

Those who take advantage of this special offer receive a spectator’s guide to the world class trails at Theodore Wirth Park. A portion of the room package proceeds also go to Loppet Foundation. Optional enhancements include The Spa’s guided sauna experience and dining with fellow fans at Mara and Nordic Village. The Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis is located 245 Hennepin Avenue.

Heid E. Erdrich, Minneapolis' First Poet Laureate

Article by Becky Fillinger, photo credit: City of Minneapolis

The City of Minneapolis recognized January 8, 2024 as Heid E. Erdrich Day to commemorate her selection as the City’s first poet laureate. It was an outstanding choice, as Erdrich is not only a nationally-recognized award-winning poet, but she is also an esteemed filmmaker, professor, community leader and mentor to many. We talked to her about the appointment and what it will mean to our city and her vision of bringing poetry to our everyday lives.

Heid E. ErdrichQ:  Congratulations on your selection as the first ever poet laureate for the City of Minneapolis. Why do you believe the role of poet laureate is important?

A:  Thank you! Minneapolis is a city of poetry and poets. Great poets live and work in Minneapolis, and many of the countries most esteemed poets are published through presses based here. Poetry here is also part of public art and so a literal part of the city.

Poetry is important to the city and deserves a representative.

Q:  Will you compose and read poems for special events during your tenure? If yes, what do you foresee?

A:  Yes - at least one poem. I just read for the opening of the new city council. (Check it out here: Minneapolis Poet Laureate Heid Erdrich reads from her poem, “This is the city dreaming in winter.” - YouTube) I drafted the first part of a poem in four seasons to the city of Minneapolis.

Above, Erdrich with Mayor Frey. Below, the official City of Minneapolis Proclamation.

Q:  You mentioned in a Star Tribune interview that your poetry will help parts of Minneapolis learn more about one another. I love this idea. How might this happen?

A:  My hope is to have several poetry listening sessions in which we gather phrases for a community-built poem based in deep listening. I would create a poem film from this work and partner with various organizations to install the film across Minneapolis.

Q:  Do you believe that poetry can play a role in the everyday lives of Minneapolis citizens? Oh, I hope you'll say yes! How may it be possible?

A: Yes! Poetry is already all around us in Minneapolis. There’s poetry on bridges, in parks, in public art - and schools! Many places of worship and businesses and organizations incorporate poetry into their work. Poetry is on the radio and being performed nightly here. But I am always looking for ways to bring more poetry to people.

Q:  How may we follow your news?

A:   Please follow my news on my website and my Facebook page.

Cuddle a Puppy this Valentine’s Day at the Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center

100% of donations benefit Healing Hearts Rescue 

Get ready to cuddle up with cuteness on Valentine’s Day at the Meet Minneapolis Puppy Cuddle. ​This event takes place Wednesday, Feb​ruary 14,​ from 11:30a ​- 1p​ at the Meet Minneapolis Visitor Center, 505 Nicollet Mall, Suite 100​ (directly across from the METRO Nicollet ​Station​).

Enjoy some snuggle time with a plethora of puppies. A $5 donation is suggested to support Healing Hearts Rescue. ​Healing Hearts Rescue is a volunteer-based nonprofit dog rescue dedicated to changing the lives of animals whom humans have failed by finding them safe and loving homes.​ For more information, visit https://healingheartsrescue.org.

In addition to cuddle time with the puppies, visitors will be encouraged to write a heartfelt letter to a local child battling illness at a local hospital. Meet Minneapolis​ partner Letters of Love will provide markers, pens and paper, and the messages will be distributed to the Children’s Minnesota.

The Year of the Pothole - 9,359 to be Exact!

Excerpt from the February 6 Mayor's Update e-newsletter

Recently, Mayor Frey, Interim Public Works Director Brette Hjelle, and Public Works staff announced a historic number of potholes filled in Minneapolis in 2023. Last year, the City filled 9,359 potholes – three times the amount in 2022 and nearly 4,000 more than ever recorded. 

Minneapolis saw its third snowiest winter on record last year with close to 90 inches of snow. The City’s Public Works department worked around the clock to ensure streets and alleyways were plowed and safe for residents to travel on. Once the snow began to melt, they shifted their efforts to potholes.

In his 2024 budget, Mayor Frey invested $470,000 for new Public Works equipment to increase the lifespan of pothole repairs and continue efficient and effective snow clearance -- as well as $500,000 in investments for a permanent snow removal and storage site.

"Our incredible city crews managed to fill 9,359 potholes," says Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. "How many pothole complaints did we have alerting us of another pothole that we needed to fill? You guessed it, 9,359. Every single time that somebody called into the city of Minneapolis to have a pothole filled, our incredible team was out there making sure that it happened."

Remembering Sculptor Richard Hunt - A Discussion With Joanna Lindell, Director and Curator of the Thrivent Art Collection at Thrivent

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

"Rising" by Richard Hunt, located in front of Thrivent at 600 Portland Avenue S

Richard HuntWe should take a moment to remember and honor sculptor Richard Hunt. He died December 16, 2023 and from his obituary we learn that “he was one of the most important sculptors this nation has produced. His prolific art career spanned seven decades. Hunt's metal sculpture is notable for its widespread presence in museum collections and many public monuments installed across the U.S. Despite challenges for African-American artists during his lifetime, Hunt held over 150 solo exhibitions and is represented in more than 100 public museums across the globe. Hunt made the largest contribution to public art in the United States, with more than 160 public sculpture commissions gracing prominent locations in 24 states and Washington, D.C.”

How is he remembered by the art world?

• "For nearly five decades, Hunt ranked among the foremost American sculptors." Randall Griffey, Head Curator, Smithsonian American Art Museum

• "Hunt earned all of this early acclaim by making great art." Museum of Modern Art Magazine Remembering Richard Hunt (1935–2023) 

• "Hunt’s stature and impact cannot be overstated." Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture 

• “Hunt was one of the most important figures in art history." A tribute to Richard Hunt NPR - WBEZ Chicago 

      • "Hunt’s early career paralleled the rise of the modern civil rights movement." Washington Post

How is Richard Hunt connected to Minneapolis? Most recently, his sculpture Rising was awarded Best Public Art Award by the Minneapolis Downtown Improvement District in 2023. We spoke to Joanna Lindell, director and curator of the Thrivent Art Collection at Thrivent to learn more about the sculpture.

Joanna LindellQ:  Why did Thrivent commission the sculpture Rising from Richard Hunt? 

A:  Thrivent has a longstanding commitment to supporting the arts, culture and the community. We commissioned the sculpture because Hunt and his expressive work fit our company culture of staying curious and welcoming diverse perspectives. Rising is a fitting representation of who we are. Grounded in a metal and stone base, the sculpture is a nod to our history as a financial services company that has served clients for more than a century. Looking up and outward, it takes on new energy with a spirit of ascension, mirroring our ongoing transformation as a diversified financial services organization ready to serve generations to come.

Q:  Was Mr. Hunt able to attend the unveiling?

A:  Yes, Hunt traveled from Chicago to Minneapolis to attend the installation and unveiling of Rising. Hosting Hunt at our headquarters was a truly spectacular experience as we unveiled Minnesota’s first permanent public installation by the iconic artist. As I reflect on his recent passing, he left the world with a remarkable legacy and impact. I could not be more grateful to have partnered with him on this commission and to have known him as a friend and colleague. Through Rising, Hunt’s spirit and talent are present in our wonderful city.

Q:  Were you pleasantly surprised when Rising was awarded the Best Public Art 2023 by the Downtown Improvement District (DID)?

A:  While I was delighted with Rising being recognized with this award, I was not surprised given Hunt’s esteemed reputation. Like much of downtown Minneapolis in 2020 and 2021, the plaza outside Thrivent’s Corporate Center sat largely empty. This changed for us following the installation of Rising. The sculpture’s placement welcomes interaction with our employees and the surrounding neighborhood. With its curving forms more than 20 feet in the air and an elevated base, people are drawn to sitting beneath and engaging with the piece. Sparking this kind of connection is something Hunt was always deeply passionate about, and this award is a reflection of the sculpture’s unique representation of the value in embracing different perspectives that collectively make us stronger as a community.

Do yourself a favor and go to 600 Portland Avenue, Thrivent headquarters, and check out the magnificent sculpture. Think about how Rising invigorates the public space. Take a friend with you and remember the legacy of Richard Hunt.

New Ownership Promises Continued Investment in Barrel House

The Barrel House is located at 111 3rd Avenue S.           Photo: Redline Property Partners

Following a sale to new ownership last year, real estate investment and management firm Redline Property Partners recently announced that it will remain on board as the asset manager and property manager for the Barrel House - a landmark fixture in the famed Minneapolis Mill District. Redline said it will build on the prior owners’ vision to continue transforming the historic property.

Situated at the 3rd Avenue Bridge entrance with stunning views of the waterfront, Barrel House enjoys a prestigious riverfront address, prominent visibility and convenient access to all major highways and to downtown’s housing, hotels, shopping, dining and entertainment.

“Barrel House meets the needs of today’s office tenants, providing an unrivaled location in downtown Minneapolis, unique amenities and an exceptional experience at great value,” said Andrew Webb, Redline’s president and managing partner. “The building’s new owner, along with Redline, will continue to invest in Barrel House to ensure its place as a top-tier creative office property in downtown Minneapolis for years to come.”

New amenities and upgrades planned for Barrel House include upgrading its rooftop deck, converting space for retail and entertainment use and creating spec suites and a podcast room. Improvements are planned for early 2024, with anticipated delivery mid-year.

Redline was part of the previous ownership group that purchased and restored the historic 90,000-square-foot mill building to its original “brick and timber” roots in 2016. The group also added significant modern-day amenities such as an outdoor roof-top deck overlooking the Mississippi River, an indoor atrium lounge and multiple meeting spaces throughout the building.

Built in 1880, the Barrel House was originally home to Hall & Dann Barrel Company, which made flour barrels for the booming Minneapolis milling industry.

To deliver the best service possible, Redline has engaged CBRE and Assembly as the property’s new leasing team. Team members include Ann Rinde and Joe Conzemius from CBRE and Nick Peterson and Merrie Sjogren from Assembly.

“Environments that foster connection and community are top priority for companies in the market right now, as organizational culture is more important than ever,” said the new primary leasing representative for Barrel House, Ann Rinde of CBRE. “Barrel House provides the perfect setting to achieve these goals with its inspiring onsite experience, collaboration-based amenities and prominent location along the riverfront. We look forward to welcoming new tenants to the Mill District and to Barrel House.” 

Check Out Everything the Free February 17 Community Connections Conference Has to Offer!

Community Connections Conference
9a -4p Saturday, February 17
Minneapolis Convention Center, first floor, Hall E
Lunch is included. Metro Transit offers free rides to the conference.

Minneapolis residents can sign up now for the free 2024 Community Connections Conference on February 17. Join in for a fun day of learning and connecting. Get involved in your local community. Meet the people behind important City services, community groups and other institutions. The conference is free and open to everyone.

Program

This year program is built around the theme of “Open city, your Minneapolis.” This theme was chose to showcase how Minneapolis is a transparent, accessible city open to everyone, open to new ideas and open for business. It highlight the ways you can get involved in both government decision-making and your local community, as well as celebrate the many parts of the city reopening and recovering after the pandemic.

This year's conference will have workshops, music and dance, activities for the whole family, an exhibit hall, and a community dialogue on youth and community safety.

Exhibits

Among the 150 exhibits, you can find:

• Jobs and paid internships for young people at the City of Minneapolis.
• Pathways to green careers and other job opportunities.
• The City Clerk’s booth on how to connect with the Minneapolis City Council; how to make your voice heard; and how to view the City Council’s ordinances, resolutions and meetings online.
• A free COVID vaccine clinic. No insurance needed.
• An indoor soccer field with the New Americans Youth Soccer Club.
• Minnesota Zoo animals.

Learn about:

• What all the different City departments do.
• How to save someone’s life with CPR and practice it on a mannequin.
• Immigration and other legal help.
• Opioid addiction resources.
• Crime prevention and services for victims.
• Community air pollution monitoring.
• Voting in elections.
• Resources to get rid of lead in your home. You can even bring in toys or ceramics you’d like to test for lead.

Breakout sessions

Join your choice of breakout sessions including:

• Your rights as a renter.
• Buying your first home.
• The Minneapolis Climate Equity Action Plan and how the City puts resources toward projects in communities that need it most.
• Voter engagement.
• Community dialogue on being a safe, healthy, and child friendly city.

Stories Connect Us All: The Carp Who Would Not Quit and Other Animal Stories at Children's Theatre Company

Article by Becky Fillinger, photos provided

The Carp Who Would Not Quit and Other Animal Stories is on stage at the Children's Theatre Company until February 18. We talked to Writer and Director, Reiko Ho, about the inspiration for the stories, creating content for children, and how the lessons imparted can inspire audiences of all ages – we all need to persevere to swim up life’s waterfalls!

Q:  We’re so excited about The Carp Who Would Not Quit and Other Animal Stories now on stage at the Children's Theatre Company. Does your work focus exclusively in writing and directing plays for children? What do you find most rewarding about working in children's theatre? 

Reiko HoA:  We are so excited to be sharing this play with children and families in Minneapolis! My focus of my Master’s Degree was Theatre for Youth; however, I do work for many different sectors, not just for children. Last season, I created and directed an original show about the Asian-American experience with students from the University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa. I also directed the regional premiere of Lloyd Suh’s The Chinese Lady in Florida, and then directed its Hawaiʻi premiere last June.

Creating and directing for young people has always been a focus and passion. I believe we make change by serving our youth. It is a great honor, delight, and responsibility knowing that one of my TYA shows might be the very first show that a child ever sees. I love making theatre that is rooted in joy and inspires empathy. Stories connect us all.

Q:  What inspired you when creating The Carp Who Would Not Quit and Other Animal Stories? 

A:  The Carp Who Would Not Quit is inspired by my own childhood memories and fondness for the Japanese folktales I read as a child. I thought of my own family and great-grandmother, who was a picture bride sent to work the plantations in Hawaiʻi, while I was creating the piece. There are also many Japanese theatrical conventions and original music used for the storytelling and the amazing cast was instrumental while creating the production. I could not have created the show without them.

Q:  Can you share a bit about your creative process when developing a play? 

A:  My creative process always starts with the story itself. For me, finding the heart of the story is always most important. Theatre is the art of the human heart. The way the storytelling unfolds should be organic to the story or text. I love using movement, music, design, lights, and what the actors bring, to help breathe life into a story.

Q:  Does your work typically focus on Asian or Asian-American theater and themes? 

A:  My work does often focus on Asian and Asian-American theater and themes because of my own Asian ancestry. However, I am a passionate advocate for giving voice to stories that reflect the diverse community of my island home including stories by marginalized groups like the LGBTQ community, indigenous Hawaiian stories, or stories by women. I think representation on-stage (and off) is so important.

Many times, I find myself creating content, because there is none that reflects that particular voice, especially for TYA.  

Q:  Is this a touring production? If yes, where has it been staged before Minneapolis?

A:  Yes, this is a touring production commissioned by Honolulu Theatre for Youth (HTY). The cast and I are all full-time resident artists at HTY. This past September, the team started by touring the different Hawaiian Islands, then began a 14-venue tour of the continental US that took the team across the country from the Smith Performing Arts Center in Las Vegas to theaters big and small, finally ending in Atlanta in mid-November.

Q:  What advice do you have for aspiring playwrights and directors interested in creating content for children? 

A:  Finding your own voice and being authentic is so important when creating any content, but especially content for children. They recognize truth. Growing up in Hawaiʻi taught me that even difficult truths can be shared if done with aloha—love. Always create with aloha.

Q:  I searched for you in LinkedIn. Are you the same Reiko Ho who owns Red Lotus Hawaii in Honolulu? If so, please tell us more about your martial arts expertise. 

A: Yes, that’s me! I am a 4th degree black-belt and master in Hapkido, a Korean martial art. I owned my own dojo called Red Lotus Hawaii for 13 years before shutting the doors in the pandemic. Being a martial artist colors many aspects of my artistic life. I am always striving for excellence and treat every space as a dojo, a learning space. Like the koi in The Carp Who Would Not Quit, I find that the perseverance and dedication I learned while training, helps me swim up life’s waterfalls.

Sad Announcement From The Cowles Center

Via a January 31 Press Release

One chapter concludes but hope and support for artists remain

The Cowles Center, a hub for the dance community on Hennepin Avenue since its establishment, announced  it will end operations of its Goodale Theater and discontinue presenting dance as of March 31, 2024, effectively ending its planned season two months early. All staff will depart the organization by April, but are extremely committed to supporting the final performances and making them a positive experience. Despite a persistent commitment over the past 14 years to support local artists and efforts to forge a sustainable operational model, The Cowles Center has more recently faced financial challenges. These challenges were exacerbated by the economic impact of a global pandemic, leading to lower ticket sales, and funding. Furthermore, The Cowles Center's largest donor and administrative partner, Artspace is unable to provide the sustaining support it has given The Cowles Center in the past. Tremendous private fundraising efforts have taken place, which have allowed the preservation of the season through March. Furthermore, while there have been discussions with potential partners to step into the operations of the Goodale and Cowles programming, no solid agreements have yet come to fruition.

The Cowles Center and Artspace remain dedicated to the communities they serve. The McKnight Fellowships for Dancers and Choreographers will continue, though the administrative home of the program is still being discussed. The Cowles Center's renowned education programs that occur in schools and through distance learning, serving nearly 6,000 students annually will continue through the end of the school year. Our community engagement program serving early career artists in space residencies will run through May. Additionally, the Hennepin Center for the Arts, which is owned by Artspace, will continue to be a home to dance studio rentals, the TEK BOX Theater, an important rental theater for artists to present their own work, and commercial and creative leasing as it has been since 1978. 

Impacts to the 2024 Spring Season:

Three dance productions slated for April and May by James Sewell Ballet, BRKFST Dance Company, and Ragamala Dance Company will be affected by the season ending March 31st. While Sewell Ballet and Ragamala face cancellations at the Goodale Theater, BRKFST Dance Company was set to be co-presented with Northrop. The Cowles Center, Northrop, and BRKFST are working together to determine if the production could be postponed or presented in a different format by Northrop alone. Ticket purchasers to the affected productions will be contacted with their options. In all three cases, Artspace and The Cowles Center remain committed to mitigating financial impacts to the artists and plan to still pay out the artist fees and box office splits as if the artists had completed their performances. 

"This is a heartbreaking convergence of all circumstances, but our goal is to support these artists as equitably as possible. Nothing replaces their ability to showcase their live performance, but we hope that lessening the financial burden will help them look towards the future," said Cowles Center Co-Directors Joseph Bingham and Jessi Fett in a mutual statement. 

The Goodale Theater will still operate in February and March and will celebrate the final four performances of the shortened spring season, including three dance productions and a community rental. 

• Zorongo Flamenco Dance Theatre | February 10th and 11th In an enchanting performance brought to the stage, flamenco and hip hop unite to adapt the 12th century Persian poem of the same name. This dark, moving, and humorous story will bring together hip hop artist Darrius Strong along with original music performed by international flamenco composer and guitarist Juanito Pascual. 
• Final Goodale Rental: Sound of Gospel | February 17th and 18th Directed by Javeeta Steele and presented by 2nd Chance Outreach, the performance is an Anthology depicting the rich history and evolution of Gospel music. 
• Crash Dance Productions | March 2nd and 3rd Growing tension stacks onto high drama as the visceral ensemble blindly selects who among them undertakes the role of The Con. When identities collide, the 13 unique personalities clash as a story of hierarchy, vulnerability, and influence develops in real-time. Anyone could be the villain. No one knows who it will be. And every performance will be different. 
• MERGE In March: Mathew Janczewski's ARENA DANCES & Taja Will | March 23rd and 24th A club-like atmosphere of daring ecstasy, collective revolt, and personal reclamations. This year’s MERGE pairs Mathew Janczewski’s high-intensity, super-charged movements with Taja Will’s nuanced, emotive, and improvisational boldness. Their collaboration will culminate in an evening of performance which includes ARENA repertory favorite, Judged House, and the premiere of a haunting new solo by Will. The commission for the new work created for this program is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.

Background: The Cowles Center's Role and Partnership

The Cowles Center has played a pivotal role by:

• Providing supportive programs and spaces for dancers, including free or below-market-rate offices, studios, and stages.
• Fostering new work with programs like Generating Room and MERGE.
• Subsidizing marketing and production support for performances.
• Offering practical guidance on health care, tax filing, and work samples.
• Serving as the administrative home for the McKnight Fellowships for Choreographers & Dancers.

In recent years, the Goodale Theater has hosted 11-14 dance productions annually, carefully curated to reflect artistic innovation and diversity. Since 2020, at least 50% of programming has featured BIPOC artists or BIPOC-led companies. 

The Cowles Center’s legacy is built upon a decades-long partnership with Artspace, which originally developed the organization when it moved the historic Shubert Theater and connected it to the Hennepin Center for the Arts. In addition to raising millions of dollars for the move and renovation of the Shubert, and starting an impactful distance learning program, Artspace has invested on average $500,000 annually from its general operating funds to support The Cowles Center, along with staff and other in-kind support. 

"Throughout the years, Artspace's investment in the arts on Hennepin Avenue has been an example of our commitment to the enduring power of creative community. Although The Cowles Center's current chapter on this historic avenue is drawing to a close earlier than we hoped, our belief in the arts as a cornerstone of our society remains unwavering. Artspace is prepared to assist in this transition and continues to be dedicated to nurturing the arts on Hennepin Avenue as operator of Hennepin Center for the Arts," said Kelley Lindquist, President of Artspace.

The pandemic's onset in 2020 was a catalyst for unprecedented challenges for the performing arts, an industry reliant on live, physical interaction. The Cowles Center, alongside many arts organizations, faced a critical loss in earned revenue and philanthropic support. A Dance/USA survey highlighted this sector-wide plight, noting a more than 75% loss in ticket revenues relative to pre-COVID seasons.

The Cowles Center encourages the community to join in celebrating the arts during this time of change by attending February and March performances in the Goodale Theater, supporting artists whose performances have been canceled, and continuing to attend performances in the TEK BOX in the Hennepin Center for the Arts.

Dario Now Open in the North Loop

Find Dario in the T3 building, 323 N Washington Avenue

Two Minneapolis Restaurant Veterans Open Their First Concept In The North Loop

First time restaurateurs Chef Joe Rolle and Bartender Stephen Rowe open the highly anticipated Dario, an Italian restaurant with global influences located in the North Loop neighborhood of Minneapolis. 

Joe Rolle spent his career working in top kitchens in Minneapolis starting at the Dakota Jazz Club with his mentor, the late Jack Riebel, before moving onto the esteemed kitchens at Borough, Il Foro and Martina.  Stephen Rowe, who also started his career at Dakota Jazz Club, made his way behind the bar and worked for a decade at the award-winning Marvel Bar, a pioneer in the craft cocktail scene in Minneapolis. Joe and Stephen’s experience working in the top places in Minneapolis positioned them to embark on their first solo project, Dario.

A true reflection of Joe’s family background, diverse cooking experience and travels, the menu at Dario is rooted in Italian yet influences are seen from France, Asia and other parts of the world. 

The menu is separated into five sections with the idea that every section stands on its own. A section of Raw items includes Oysters Dario, a dish inspired by a local Thai spot Rolle used to frequent. In this dish, Rolle serves a half dozen East Coast oysters topped with a Thai-style beef tartare and a spherification of lime juice. Also in this section is the Hiramasa Crudo with Calamansi ponzu, gooseberry, Yuzu Kosho, and avocado. 

Vegetables are celebrated at Dario and showcase the many different cuisines that influence Rolle. Examples include the Flowering Cauliflower, a Silician-inspired dish served with brown butter bagna cauda, capers and fried sourdough; a French-style salad of Red Endive with Roquefort cheese, candied walnuts, dates and poached Asian pear; and a Greek Cucumber Salad served with whipped feta tzatziki and covered with trout roe, sesame seeds and dill. 

Rolle became known for his pasta and Dario’s menu has something for everyone. Short rib Agnolotti is a love letter to Northern Italy with red wine jus, bacon, and gorgonzola.  Piccino Paccheri Verde is Rolle’s homage to bolognese served with spinach pasta and a 24-month parmesan fonduta and Doppio Ravioli is a double-sided stuffed pasta with ricotta on one side and caramelized sunchokes on the other, served with honey, hazelnuts and rosemary.  

The Fish & Meat section includes favorites from the land and sea. Sauteed Trout is complemented with saffron mussel emulsion and a salsa verde while Brick Chicken is deboned and served with brown butter piccata sauce.  The section's nod to Asia is the Skate Wing with honeynut squash curry as well as the Char Siu Belly with fermented black bean clam sauce.  There also is a choice between two peppercorn crusted steaks, Prime Hanger Steak and a Niman Ranch Prime New York Strip, both with a veal peppercorn jus.  

For sweets, opt for the Cake & Ice Cream, a chocolate ricotta cake with gianduja cremeux, vanilla ice cream, and a pizzelle, the Pineapple & Passionfruit, pineapple sorbet layered with macadamia nut brittle, passionfruit granita and whipped coconut cream or the Affogato with vanilla bean ice cream and butterscotch. 

A robust beverage program includes craft cocktails created by Rowe.  While there is a selection of classics or what he is calling house cocktails, Rowe’s goal with Dario’s original cocktails is to have the drinks be memorable with strong flavors that do not necessarily translate to high alcohol.  Examples include Future Dancer made with Destilerias Acha Axtra Dry Vermouth, lime, and Maleza Hierbas bitters and Synclaire After Hours, a mix of Dimmi, Maify Aranciata, hibiscus tea, and sparkling water. Additionally, there is a large selection of non-alcoholic cocktails including Agatha 2.0 made with Shiitake tea, cherry, prune, cranberry and elderberry tea and Is It Juice with coconut, orange juice, pineapple juice, and rooibos chia.  The wine list leans towards Italy but also includes bottles from Spain, France and America.  The drink menu also features local and Italian beers. 

Designed by Wittkamper Studio, the space has a feminine, punk rock feel with notes of pink, fuzzy iridescent teal velvet and an articulate lattice of white-washed millwork. Floor-to-ceiling windows line the space with banquette seating throughout the dining area. A glass-enclosed pasta room transitions from a work space by day to a dining area by night providing guests with an “eat-in-the-kitchen” vibe. 

Dario is open for dinner Sunday to Thursday from 5pm-10pm and Friday and Saturday from 5pm-11pm. It is located at 323 N Washington Avenue and reservations can be made at www.dariorestaurant.com.

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Black History Month Events

To celebrate Black History Month, the City of Minneapolis is offering free, public events under the theme African Americans & the Arts.

Upcoming Black History Month Events:

• Black Music and the Arts – The Minneapolis Sound
  A panel discussion to explore the history of Black contributions to music with a focus on the “Minneapolis Sound.”
  Noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7
  City of Minneapolis Public Service Building, Conference Room 100
  505 Fourth Ave. S.

• Black and Belonging
  A community discussion around belonging to a collective and creating welcoming spaces where we all belong.
  Noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14
  City of Minneapolis Public Service Building, Conference Room 100
  505 Fourth Ave. S.

• Family Feud: Black History Month Trivia
  Featuring Hennepin County and City of Minneapolis employees: a live event to have fun, laugh, show off what you know about Black history, or learn something new.
  Noon-2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21
  North Point Conference Center, Fifth Floor, Suite 5200
  1256 Penn Ave. N.

• History Makers at Home
  The Minneapolis Civil Rights Department will recognize leaders in the areas of business, criminal justice, education, economic development, health, housing and government.
  11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22
  Capri Theater, 2027 West Broadway Ave.

• Rock Your Crown
  This is the event where hair rules! With the State of Minnesota signing the Crown Act into law, we will celebrate the history of Black hair and the art of styling it.
  Noon-1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28
  City of Minneapolis Public Service Building, Conference Room 100
  505 Fourth Ave. S.

The mayor and City Council passed a resolution honoring Black History Month. The resolution states that “the Mayor and City Council do hereby commemorate the achievements of Black Americans as history makers and legacy trailblazers and their role in the development of the region and the nation since its inception, and we join in recognizing the annual celebration of Black History Month and the anniversary of the Minneapolis Black Employee Network.”

The events for Black History Month are presented in partnership with the City of Minneapolis and Hennepin County through the efforts of these employee resource groups: City of Minneapolis Black Employee Network, Hennepin County People of Color Employee Resource Group and Hennepin County African American Employee Resource Group. History Makers at Home is presented by the Minneapolis Department of Civil Rights.

Power Plant Glow by Ric Rosow

Submitted by Ric Rosow

Power Plant Glow

On January 14th I set up to take photographs of the St. Anthony Main side of the Mississippi River, including focusing on the Stone Arch Bridge, the St. Anthony Falls and the University Power Plant. The Power Plant photographs were taken several hours after sundown. The bright lights of St. Anthony Main made the landscape very interesting. It was, however, challenging to edit the photograph so that the very bright points of light did not distract from or overwhelm the remainder of the image. The camera can apply only one exposure to an image. But some areas, such as where there are bright lights, should be exposed differently from the rest of the photograph. I can do that by taking multiple images with different exposures, or in post-processing by selectively lowering the exposure of some areas by using luminosity masks before I adjust the exposure. It was the second method that I chose for this photograph.  

Power Plant Glow, Painted

The second photograph (above) is the same image as the first, but with additional processing to give it a painterly look. Photoshop’s AI technology was used in part to create this look for the image. I wrote out commands to Photoshop as to what I wanted and kept changing the command until I got what I wanted. This was an editing process I learned in the 5th Annual Photoshop Summit in October of last year. The instructor used the same process on a photograph he took. He liked it so much he printed it and displays it in his photography office. I’ll be interested to see how my image looks when printed on canvas.

You can see more of my work @ricrosowphotography.com and @PriceKrishnanGallery. This photograph and others on my website are available for purchase either from my website or by contacting me directly.

Scents to Scene by Cheryl LeClair-Sommer Opens February 10 at Kolman & Reeb Gallery

Aglow by Cheryl LeClair-Sommer

Exhibition opens February 10 and runs through March 23. The gallery will host an artist reception on Saturday, February 17, 7:00-9:00p, and an artist talk on Thursday, March 7 at 7:00p

Kolman & Reeb Gallery is pleased to announce its next Project Space grantee exhibition, Scents to Scenes, with works painted exclusively for this show. Plein air artist Cheryl LeClair-Sommer pairs visual and olfactory stimuli to whisk us off to those romantic little hideaways of Minnesota. By pairing essential oils with her expertly painted landscapes, LeClair-Sommer hopes to deeply immerse the viewer into the scene and encompass the entirety of the artist’s experience.

With the resources provided by a Kolman & Reeb Gallery Project Space Grant, LeClair-Sommer used fragrance as a catalyst to search for locations that embodied the properties of those scents. This allowed for the characteristics of each perfume to inspire the mood and help predict the color palette of the work. Scents to Scenes features paintings paired with the corresponding scent, in hopes that the viewer will deeply connect to the location and atmosphere depicted. Gallery patrons will have the opportunity to sample the scents associated with each painting to fully appreciate the experience.

As an example of her concept for the show, in her painting, A Promise of Renewal, LeClair-Sommer set out to visually capture a scene encompassing fragrance notes of both, intensely warm and deeply cool. To accomplish this, in early spring, she searched for a place where the winter snow was stubborn to melt. In her skilled and masterful technique, LeClair-Sommer captured a warm breeze as it swept down the hillside. The intense sun caressed the remnants of winter, snowmelt trickling from beneath; from this came the rich odors of mossy decay as it blended with the light grassy aroma of new life.

"Following the curve of a river, silhouette of a tree, or billowing cloud formation, Cheryl’s work conjures the mood of the place," says Anita Sue Kolman, Kolman & Reeb Gallery co-founder and co-partner. "By pairing the essential oils chosen for each scene is a real treat. With her Project Space Grant show, Cheryl has brought many beautiful paintings to the gallery space.” 

Salmon Sunset Over the Marsh by Cheryl LeClair-Sommer

Per Jodi Reeb, gallery curator and co-partner, "Cheryl’s work beautifully captures Minnesota's many seasons and notable places. With her plein air paintings, she's able to summon the feeling of a moment. The softness of Cheryl's palette and the concept of blending scents with her scenes fit well with the gallery's contemporary style."

LeClair-Sommer lives and works in a suburb of St. Paul. To create her plein air paintings she travels throughout Minnesota, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, and the Tahoe, California area. Cheryl has been recognized for her paintings with artwork regularly juried into national exhibits, awards at outdoor painting competitions, a Master Circle award from the International  Association of Pastel Societies, an award of a two-week residency, and a feature on the television show MN Original in 2011.